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How to Use Nucleo 401RE: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of Nucleo 401RE
Cirkit Designer LogoDesign with Nucleo 401RE in Cirkit Designer

Introduction

The Nucleo F401RE is a versatile development board from STMicroelectronics that features the STM32F401RE microcontroller. This board is part of the STM32 Nucleo ecosystem and is designed for rapid prototyping. It is a powerful tool for developers as it provides a flexible way for users to try out new concepts and build prototypes with the STM32 microcontroller, choosing from the various combinations of performance, power consumption, and features.

Explore Projects Built with Nucleo 401RE

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Nucleo 401RE Controlled Robotic Motor with Vibration Feedback and ADXL345 Accelerometer
Image of MLKIT: A project utilizing Nucleo 401RE in a practical application
This circuit features a Nucleo 401RE microcontroller as the central processing unit, interfacing with an ADXL345 accelerometer and an INA219 current sensor over an I2C bus for motion sensing and power monitoring, respectively. A DC motor with an encoder is driven by an L298N motor driver, with speed control potentially provided by a connected potentiometer and vibration feedback through a vibration motor. The system is powered by a 12V battery, with voltage regulation provided for the various components.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Nucleo 401RE Dual 7-Segment Display Counter with User Button Control
Image of lll: A project utilizing Nucleo 401RE in a practical application
This circuit consists of two Nucleo 401RE microcontrollers, each controlling a 7-segment display. The first microcontroller is programmed to count from 0 to 9 every second and display the count on its connected 7-segment display, while the second microcontroller is not performing any specific function as its code is empty.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Nucleo 401RE Button-Controlled LED Toggle Circuit
Image of External_Button_LED: A project utilizing Nucleo 401RE in a practical application
This circuit uses a Nucleo 401RE microcontroller to toggle an LED on and off based on the state of a pushbutton. The button is connected to pin D8, and the LED is connected to pin A0, with appropriate resistors for current limiting. The microcontroller code detects a falling edge on the button press to change the LED state.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Nucleo 401RE Controlled LED with Button Input
Image of CSE360 Lab1: A project utilizing Nucleo 401RE in a practical application
This circuit features an STM32 Nucleo 401RE microcontroller that controls a red LED through a 220-ohm resistor. The LED's cathode is connected to ground, and its anode is connected to the microcontroller via the resistor, allowing the microcontroller to manage the LED's state.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with Nucleo 401RE

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of MLKIT: A project utilizing Nucleo 401RE in a practical application
Nucleo 401RE Controlled Robotic Motor with Vibration Feedback and ADXL345 Accelerometer
This circuit features a Nucleo 401RE microcontroller as the central processing unit, interfacing with an ADXL345 accelerometer and an INA219 current sensor over an I2C bus for motion sensing and power monitoring, respectively. A DC motor with an encoder is driven by an L298N motor driver, with speed control potentially provided by a connected potentiometer and vibration feedback through a vibration motor. The system is powered by a 12V battery, with voltage regulation provided for the various components.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of lll: A project utilizing Nucleo 401RE in a practical application
Nucleo 401RE Dual 7-Segment Display Counter with User Button Control
This circuit consists of two Nucleo 401RE microcontrollers, each controlling a 7-segment display. The first microcontroller is programmed to count from 0 to 9 every second and display the count on its connected 7-segment display, while the second microcontroller is not performing any specific function as its code is empty.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of External_Button_LED: A project utilizing Nucleo 401RE in a practical application
Nucleo 401RE Button-Controlled LED Toggle Circuit
This circuit uses a Nucleo 401RE microcontroller to toggle an LED on and off based on the state of a pushbutton. The button is connected to pin D8, and the LED is connected to pin A0, with appropriate resistors for current limiting. The microcontroller code detects a falling edge on the button press to change the LED state.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of CSE360 Lab1: A project utilizing Nucleo 401RE in a practical application
Nucleo 401RE Controlled LED with Button Input
This circuit features an STM32 Nucleo 401RE microcontroller that controls a red LED through a 220-ohm resistor. The LED's cathode is connected to ground, and its anode is connected to the microcontroller via the resistor, allowing the microcontroller to manage the LED's state.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

  • Rapid prototyping of embedded systems
  • Educational purposes for learning microcontroller programming
  • Development of IoT devices
  • Motor control systems
  • Industrial automation
  • Prototyping of consumer electronics

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

  • Microcontroller: STM32F401RE
  • Core: ARM® Cortex®-M4 32-bit RISC core
  • Operating Voltage: 3.3V
  • Digital I/O Pins: 50
  • Analog Input Pins: 16
  • Flash Memory: 512 KB
  • SRAM: 96 KB
  • Clock Speed: 84 MHz
  • Connectivity: USB, SPI, I2C, USART, CAN
  • Debugging: On-board ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Pin Name Function Description
CN7 Digital I/O GPIOs, SPI, I2C, USART, etc.
CN10 Digital I/O GPIOs, SPI, I2C, USART, etc.
CN9 USB USB OTG FS connector
CN5 ST-LINK Debugger/Programmer USB connector
CN8 Power E5V, VIN, 3V3, 5V, GND
ARD Arduino™ Uno V3 Compatibility headers for Arduino™ Uno V3 shields

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Component in a Circuit

  1. Powering the Board:

    • The Nucleo F401RE can be powered via the USB connector (CN5) or an external power source.
    • Ensure that the jumper JP5 is in the U5V position if you are powering through USB.
  2. Programming the Board:

    • Connect the board to your computer using a USB cable through the CN5 connector.
    • The board is programmable via various development environments, including STM32CubeIDE, Keil, IAR, or mbed online.
    • The on-board ST-LINK/V2-1 provides an integrated debugger/programmer solution.
  3. Connecting Peripherals:

    • Use the Arduino™ Uno V3 compatibility headers to connect Arduino shields.
    • The CN7 and CN10 connectors provide access to the STM32 microcontroller's GPIOs and other functions.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

  • Always observe electrostatic discharge precautions when handling the board.
  • Verify the power supply and I/O voltage levels to prevent damage to the board.
  • When designing custom peripherals, ensure that the pin current and voltage ratings are not exceeded.
  • Disconnect the board from power sources before making or altering connections.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues Users Might Face

  • Board Not Recognized by Computer:

    • Ensure the USB cable is properly connected and the computer's USB ports are functioning.
    • Check that the jumper JP5 is in the correct position for the selected power source.
  • Unable to Program the Board:

    • Verify that the correct drivers for the ST-LINK/V2-1 are installed on your computer.
    • Ensure that the board is selected correctly within your development environment.
  • Peripheral Malfunction:

    • Double-check the wiring and connections to the peripheral.
    • Confirm that the code is correctly configured for the peripheral in use.

Solutions and Tips for Troubleshooting

  • If the board is not recognized, try using a different USB cable or port.
  • For driver issues, visit the STMicroelectronics website to download the latest drivers.
  • Review the Nucleo F401RE user manual for detailed information on board features and setup.
  • Consult the STM32F401RE datasheet for in-depth technical specifications.

FAQs

Q: Can I use Arduino IDE to program the Nucleo F401RE? A: Yes, you can use the Arduino IDE with the appropriate board configuration.

Q: What is the maximum operating temperature of the Nucleo F401RE? A: The maximum operating temperature is 85°C.

Q: How do I reset the board? A: Press the black push-button (B1) to reset the board.

Q: Is it possible to use external power sources? A: Yes, you can use an external power source connected to the E5V or VIN pins.

For further assistance, refer to the ST Community Forum or the Nucleo F401RE User Manual.


Please note that this documentation is a general guide and may not cover all aspects of the Nucleo F401RE development board. Always refer to the official STMicroelectronics documentation for the most accurate and detailed information.